Starlink is expected to gain access to Sri Lanka after its parliament passes a new telecommunications bill. The new bill will allow Starlink to apply for a license and launch its services in Sri Lanka.
According to Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, the new telecommunications bill will introduce a new license category. Under this category, Starlink may apply to be a licensed service provider in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan parliament will vote on the new telecommunications bill on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Minister Herath noted that this will be the first time in 28 years that the parliament is amending its Telecommunication Act.
“The change will enable issuing of three new types of licenses, one of which will allow Starlink to provide internet connectivity,” the Minister of Technology told Economic Times.
In June, Sri Lanka gave preliminary approval to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service after consulting the public. The government fast-tracked Starlink’s approval after Musk met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Indonesia during the 10th World Water Forum.
SpaceX must pay a tariff for Starlink’s new category license in Sri Lanka. The Minister did not specify the exact amount of the tariff.
“There are lots of challenges to constructing telecom towers, but Starlink can increase internet access faster, particularly in rural areas, and support economic growth,’ said Minister Herath.